Abhishek Chaubey’s upcoming film Udta Punjab, which has been the talk of the town since quite a few days will finally hit the theatres on June 17. Not just thatthe film will have a “pretty wide” release on approximately 2,000 screens, the makers said on Tuesday. Ekta Kapoor, from Balaji Motion Pictures, has produced the film along with Phantom Pictures, which comprises of Anurag Kashyap, Vikas Bahl, Madhu Mantena among others.

At a press conference, when Ekta, was asked about the release strategy of the film, she said: “The teams have worked together. Phantom and Balaji have a very interesting set of distributors, who have supported us through this whole turmoil and I think we will be having just the kind of release this film deserves and needs. We won’t open it too wide. But it’ll be a pretty wide release, keeping its genre and its audiences in mind.”

Aman Gill, CEO, Balaji Motion Pictures added that, “It’s too early to say that right now. But 2,000-odd screens, may be a bit more, right now that’s the attempt, so we will have clarity by tomorrow mostly.”

The film, as the entire world knows experienced days of uncertainty regarding its release as numerous cuts were suggested by the censor board. But the Bombay High Court on Monday allowed the makers to release the film with just one cut and three disclaimers.

As a journalist pointed out that the stock price of Balaji Motion Pictures has gone up by 9 per cent after the positive verdict for the film, Ekta said: “I don’t minutely ever follow my stock like this. If it is 9 per cent up or 10 per cent down, what is important is a film was made with Abhishek’s conviction and the only strategy now after all the delays we have gone through, is to release it well. Anurag and the team have given their best to put this film. Abhishek has done his best. As far as Balaji’s stocks, there are enough ways to keep the stock up and I hope it keeps staying up. It’s not my first and foremost concern.”

It’s a victorious day for Team Udta Punjab, which includes not only the actors and makers, but also the fans and members of the film fraternity who were rooting for the film. The film about drug abuse landed in trouble with the censor board when the review committee levied 79 cuts on the film. Now, for any creative person this is no less than a heartbreak, to have your creation botched down. The makers knocked the doors of the Bombay High Court, and demanded justice. And justice was delivered. The Bombay HC had a better outlook than CBFC and asked the Board to pass the film with just one cut. HC asked CBFC if the movie glorified drugs, to which they received yes as an answer. HC then in turn asked, that why CBFC hasn’t banned the film then. This was the one statement that wrapped up the entire fight in one fragment.

Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh are not able to control their happiness. Their Twitter feed is full of retweets of praises and congratulatory messages that are coming their way.

Alia Bhatt wrote “And FINALLY #UdtaPunjab will flyyyyy!!Here’s to freedom of expression, to our judiciary, to the industry, to the media and to YOU ALL!!”

And FINALLY #UdtaPunjab will flyyyyy!!Here’s to freedom of expression, to our judiciary, to the industry, to the media and to YOU ALL!!

]]>http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/udta-punjab-victorious-shahid-kapoor-alia-bhatt-diljit-dosanjh-react-to-hcs-judgement/feed/0Victory for Udta Punjab! HC passes the Shahid Kapoor-Alia Bhatt starrer with just one cut!http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/victory-for-udta-punjab-hc-passes-the-shahid-kapoor-alia-bhatt-starrer-with-just-one-cut/
http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/victory-for-udta-punjab-hc-passes-the-shahid-kapoor-alia-bhatt-starrer-with-just-one-cut/#respondFri, 10 Jun 2016 08:54:10 +0000http://www.bollywoodlife.com/?p=734533Time to celebrate team Udta Punjab! High Court just gave you a clean chit!

Sorry if I’m gonna sound rude in my next line but In Your Face, CBFC! Okay, maybe that’s one emotion a lot of us wanted to say it for a long time now. The Censor Board already wrecked a lot of our favourite films by using their scissorhands skills but looks like Udta Punjab managed to miss out from their clutches. Before the release itself, the film had a lot of buzz of how dark and twisted it would be. However, suddenly Mr Nihalani and his team had an epiphany where they decided to chop off most of the aesthetics of the film. Thank god the film flew out of CB’s nest!

When the 89 cuts bomb fell on the production house, they immediately decided to take the matter to the court and get justice from them. With Anurag Kashyap‘s aggressive approach towards avoiding censorship and Pahlaj Nihalani’s take on getting a lot of things edited, the matter went to the High Court. A sessions court was held yesterday where they heard both the sides of the issue. However, they asked CB to justify the reasons behind censoring the points mentioned. The hearing was again held today and the film just received clean chit with only one scene to be edited! The scene where Shahid Kapoor urinates on the crowd during a concert was told to be removed while the other points stated by the CB was told unnecessary.

Time for celebration Udta Punjab team! Looks like you can now fly high! Although the verdict will be pronounced on Monday i.e. 13th June. Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below. And stay tuned to this space as we bring fresh updates on the film!

The news of Udta Punjab‘s censorship has become so serious that it has reached the courthouse. Well, I think everybody knows by now just how atrocious the Censor Board’s demands have been with respect to the film. They have demanded the film to omit around 89 instances in the film. There are 13 points in the film which, according to the CBFC, is not suitable for adults and puts the state of Punjab in bad light. No mention of the aforesaid scenes should be prevalent in the film. So when you sum it up, a total of about 89 scenes will be edited. This has outraged not just the makers of the film, Phantom Productions and Balaji Motion Pictures but has also enraged the entire film fraternity.

After holding a press conference, the makers of Udta Punjab headed to the High Court and filed a case against CBFC (Censor Board of Film Certification). A hearing was conducted yesterday where the CB was asked to justify as to why the cuts have been asked to do in the film. The session was adjourned for today. The hearing is currently going on and we will be updating you constantly with the happenings of the session and the final verdict, if it is announced today. Check out the timeline below:

12: 20 PM – Bombay High Court resumes hearing of CB vs Udta Punjab.

12:23 PM – CBFC demands Udta Punjab makers to remove abusive words from song in Udta Punjab, it is becoming a rage among children.

12:30 PM – CBFC demands removal of this scene of film’s protagonist urinating before a crowd must be deleted.

12:54 PM – HC’s take, “Whether it is TV or cinema, you must leave the decision to people”

1:26 PM – Petitioner’s argue, “Udta Punjab is a film with a strong message”

1:27 PM – Petitioner willing to delete some scenes including that of the lead urinating in public.

1:43 PM – Bombay HC order on Udta Punjab makers’ plea against CBFC to be pronounced on Monday

2: 00 PM- Filmmakers to add disclaimer that the film does not support use of cuss words.

The High Court has adjourned the case to Monday. The judgement for the same will be pronounced. Fingers crossed! Stay tuned to this space for more gossips and latest updates!

]]>http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/udta-punjab-versus-censor-board-hc-court-hearing-live-updates-petitioner-willing-to-delete-the-scenes-including-that-of-shahid-kapoor-urinating-in-public/feed/0BANG ON! High Court to CBFC lawyer: If you claim Udta Punjab glorifies drugs, then why don’t you ban the film?http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/high-court-to-cbfc-lawyer-if-you-claim-udta-punjab-glorifies-drugs-then-why-dont-you-ban-the-film/
http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/high-court-to-cbfc-lawyer-if-you-claim-udta-punjab-glorifies-drugs-then-why-dont-you-ban-the-film/#respondFri, 10 Jun 2016 08:05:32 +0000http://www.bollywoodlife.com/?p=734491Just the kind of question we’ve all been asking each other! Here’s what’s been happening at the High Court!

Don’t we all have our own set of questions regarding the list of things asked to be censored by the Censor Board in Udta Punjab? What’s wrong with using Punjab’s rendition in the film? Why not use the state’s name in the title? How is censoring cuss words going to bring a change in the language of people who use it on a regular basis? I can go on and on about it but instead I’ll resort to just expressing my grief on how the film has suddenly become a national issue pertaining to the freedom of expression. That is what has been bothering the film fraternity too. And hence, the Udta Punjab controversy was like the boiling point.

Currently a session is being held at the High Court where the case is being heard of. Phantom films has filed a case against the Censor Board, hearing of the same was held yesterday. However, when the court asked for reasons behind censoring whatever was mentioned in the list, the session got adjourned for today. While we too have been having questions regarding why certain things have been asked to censor, the court did the same with CBFC. “If you claim Udta Punjab glorifies drugs, then why don’t you ban the film?” the court asked CB’s lawyer. What’s positive about this session is the court also stated, ” Whether it is TV or cinema, you must leave the decision to people.”

Suddenly a surge of hope just settled our hearts! Will Udta Punjab get justice and fly on 17th June? Or will it’s wings be cut by the High Court as well? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below. And stay tuned to this space as we bring fresh updates on the issue!

Currently, Anurag Kashyap and team Udta Punjab has a lot of things to worry about. Starting from the release of their film to the court’s decision over censorship regarding Udta to the outcome of the release of the film. While the film has received tremendous support from the film fraternity, the opposition from CBFC (Censor Board of Film Certification) has put them in a spot. Initially the film was slated to release on 17th June i.e. next Friday. However, clearly it’s that may not happen. This sudden outrage between producer Anurag Kashyap and Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani has just raised a bigger problem, freedom of expression being curbed.

But here’s a silver lining to your troubles, Udta Punjab, the state’s CM’s advisor, Harcharan Bains has just assured that there is no ban on the film from the government’s side! Although they would like to watch the movie first before making any comment on it’s ban. A news portal’s Twitter handle tweeted out the same. “No move by Punjab govt to ban the film, we need to see the movie first,” said Harcharan Bains. Is this good news for Udta Punjab? When Mr Nihalani had allowed the trailer of Udta Punjab to go public without any cuts, Kashyap was super happy before this bomb fell on him. So we cannot really trust the sudden change of mind, if it happens!

Let’s hope for the best! Do you think the film should abide by the rules and censor (almost everything) stuff from their film or should they fight for their freedom of expression? Tell us in the comments section below!

]]>http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/no-ban-on-shahid-kapoor-alia-bhatt-starrer-udta-punjab-assures-states-cms-advisor/feed/0Udta Punjab controversy: Punjab’s BJP President’s take on the Shahid-Alia starrer is what the makers feared!http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/udta-punjab-controversy-punjabs-bjp-presidents-take-on-the-shahid-alia-starrer-is-what-the-makers-feared/
http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/udta-punjab-controversy-punjabs-bjp-presidents-take-on-the-shahid-alia-starrer-is-what-the-makers-feared/#respondFri, 10 Jun 2016 06:51:56 +0000http://www.bollywoodlife.com/?p=734375Looks like the main point of the film has been ignored, just as what Anurag Kashyap said!

The President of BJP’s Punjab wing has finally spoken up about Udta Punjab’s controversy but it’s not all sugary as you may expect! It looks like the politician is trying to defend the drug problems of Punjab by stating that the problem persists all over the country and not singled out on one state. The Shahid Kapoor–Alia Bhatt starrer has already fallen prey to the censorship perils of the Censor Board thanks to chief, Pahlaj Nihalani and now looks like politics has also found its way towards the film’s release. A lot of things have been said by the President of BJP including this statement, “Will not allow Punjab’s name to be maligned.”

A news portal tweeted out the status of what Punjab politicians think of the whole issue. Vijay Sampla, Punjab BJP President stated that the drug problems persists not just in the state but in the entire country. He also said, “If Udta Punjab causes law & order problem in Punjab, govt will decide what action to take.” Sampla further added, “Drug menace not only in Punjab, but the entire country.” Wow, looks like it’s gonna be one tough pickle to get out of for Balaji and Phantom. It’s sad to learn that what Shahid and producer Anurag Kashyap have been preaching about how the film using the place as a backdrop to address the real issues being sidelined by the fact that the people of the place are taking offense is gaining more importance.

We wonder what the fate of Udta Punjab is. Do you think the film should abide by the rules and censor (almost everything) stuff from their film or should they fight for their freedom of expression? Tell us in the comments section below!

]]>http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/udta-punjab-controversy-punjabs-bjp-presidents-take-on-the-shahid-alia-starrer-is-what-the-makers-feared/feed/0Shocking VIDEO! Pahlaj Nihalani LASHES OUT at cameramen, refuses to answer certain questions on Udta Punjab!http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/shocking-video-pahlaj-nihalani-lashes-out-at-cameramen-refuses-to-answer-certain-questions-on-udta-punjab/
http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/shocking-video-pahlaj-nihalani-lashes-out-at-cameramen-refuses-to-answer-certain-questions-on-udta-punjab/#respondFri, 10 Jun 2016 05:20:35 +0000http://www.bollywoodlife.com/?p=734281You’ve got to watch this video to find out the full story…

Clearly, nobody’s ready to accept Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani’s objections against Udta Punjab.He’s not only demanding about 94 cuts and deletion of the word ‘Punjab’ from the title but has also accused the makers of the film of taking bribe from AAP to defame Punjab. Definitely something that none of us would abide by. While producer Anurag Kashyap along with other filmmakers have already lashed out at Nihalani over his insensible accusations. Nihalani too in his defense held a press con recently to justify his stance. But you know what was more shocking? It’s when he yelled at the cameramen to escape certain questions on Udta Punjab. Yes!

Throughout the press con, Nihalani kept repeating that he’ll be answering everything regarding his issues with Udta Punjab. However, towards the end, he horribly lost his cool when a reporter asked him a question which probably Nihalani wasn’t prepared for. A rather disturbed Nihalani unexpectedly started lashing out at the cameramen for recording him live and also pulled out that reporter for being unprofessional in asking questions. What was the question all about?

Here check out the video below and do drop your thoughts in the comments below. PS: For all the ignorant, a case has been lodged against the Certification committee over the objections against Udta Punjab. The Bombay HC will pronounce the verdict today. Keep watching this space as we’ll be the first one to break the news right here.

Wow! I am literally amazed with the kind of support Udta Punjab and Shahid Kapoor are getting from the industry. This time we actually saw the real unity within the industry. Right now, the entire nation is talking about Shahid’s film Udta Punjab and CBFC’s controversy. Till now we all know that Censor board has asked for a total of 94 cuts in the film and the makers have challenged their decision and took their plea to Bombay High Court. The hearing took place in the afternoon but has been adjourned till tomorrow. Well, fingers crossed!

And now Arjun Kapoor has come out in support of the film. AK shared one of the coolest picture with SK and captioned, “This one s for #UdtaPunjab s Tommy Singh urf @shahidkapoor !!! We all behind u n the film brother !!!”. Also Meri Pyaari Bindu actor Ayushmann Khurrana shared the same picture, “Hell yeah! This is for #UdtaPunjab @shahidkapoor @arjunk26”. It’s awesome to see the boys bonding like never before.

Also amid all the controversy, Udta Punjab actor has flown away to Madrid today afternoon for IIFA awards and will be back next week. Sasha will be hosting the show with Farhan Akhtar and we are extremely excited for it.

]]>http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/arjun-kapoor-and-ayushmann-khurrana-back-shahid-kapoors-udta-punjab/feed/0SHOCKING! Pahlaj Nihalani claims that Anurag Kashyap has taken money from AAP to defame the state in his film, Udta Punjab!http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/pahlaj-nihalani-claims-that-anurag-kashyap-has-taken-money-from-aap-to-defame-the-state-in-his-film-udta-punjab/
http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/pahlaj-nihalani-claims-that-anurag-kashyap-has-taken-money-from-aap-to-defame-the-state-in-his-film-udta-punjab/#respondWed, 08 Jun 2016 10:39:29 +0000http://www.bollywoodlife.com/?p=733060Have we reached a new level of drama here? Because looks like Mr Nihalani has done it again.

Is it just me or is everybody finding this Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt starrer Udta Punjab censorship controversy taking nastier turns as the days go by? The entire film fraternity along with fans are marching against the Censor Board to let the filmmakers release the film without any cuts. Knowing that Anurag Kashyap and Pahlaj Nihalani have had quite a lot of tiffs even in the past, this recent spat is no big surprise. Anurag wants to show the aggressive substance abuse happening not just in Punjab but the entire nation while Nihalani’s focus is more on the fact that the backdrop has been chosen as the land of five rivers. Already the chief of CBFC has asked the filmmakers of Udta Punjab to chop off 89 scenes including the word Punjab from their title and everywhere else in the movie.

Enraged Anurag expressed his sentiments through his tweets and even called Nihalani a tyrant running the Censor Board like North Korea. While we expected things to calm down soon, it has only seen escalation and nothing else. Kashyap even mentioned that he didn’t want political parties to find their way in this fight he has against the CB. But looks like they found their way in. He had tweeted, “I request Congress, AAP and other political parties to stay out of my battle. It’s my Rights vs the Censorship. I speak only on my behalf.” So when the trolls started tagging him, he tweeted, “FYI I have fought the UPA more on censorship issues than the NDA. But you know what , there was no Nihalani then. So the paid trolls can FO”

I request Congress, AAP and other political parties to stay out of my battle. It’s my Rights vs the Censorship. I speak only on my behalf

So while the political parties have been warned to stay out by Anurag, Nihalani just accused him of taking money from AAP party to defame Punjab! Say wha’? In an exclusive interview with Times Now, Mr Nihalani claimed that the producer of Udta Punjab, Anurag Kashyap actually took bribe from Aam Aadmi Party to show Punjab in bad light.

Do you think he’s stating the truth or is this a rise of another controversy? Tell us in the comments section below! Stay tuned to this space as we bring more updates on Udta Punjab!